Library | ESG issues
Greenwashing
Greenwashing refers to the misleading practice of overstating or falsely presenting an organisation’s environmental or sustainability efforts. It can involve deceptive marketing, incomplete disclosures, or exaggerated claims about products and corporate practices. In finance, greenwashing undermines ESG credibility, leading to reputational damage, legal risks, and loss of investor trust. Strengthening transparency and accountability is essential to ensure capital supports truly sustainable initiatives and maintains market integrity.
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Making things (that don’t exist) count: A study of Scope 4 emissions accounting claims
This report investigates the implications of 'Scope 4' emissions accounting claims, which refers to greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals due to a decision or action. This study suggests that extant Scope 4 assessments do not fit the established framework for scope-based emissions accounting, and calls for cautious claims of this nature and the need for more research.
Can investors curb greenwashing?
This report analyses the phenomenon of greenwashing in companies due to investors' pro-environmental preferences and their penalties for exposing past environmental controversies. The study presents the optimal communication, abatement policies, and greenwashing strategies of corporations, highlighting how investment decisions can clamp down on this practice. Policymakers can make use of these tools to reduce greenwashing and promote environment-friendly policies.
Big oil reality check: Aligned in failure
Big oil and gas companies’ climate pledges lack ambition and integrity, resulting in continued exploration and extraction. They fail to align with the Paris Agreement, relying on misleading accounting and greenwashing. Immediate action from governments and investors is essential to catalyse a socially just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels.
Banking on climate chaos: Fossil fuel finance series
The "Banking on Climate Chaos" benchmark report examines global banks' financing of fossil fuel companies, highlighting trends and policy shifts impacting climate goals. This series offers critical insights into financial institutions' roles in supporting fossil fuel expansion and their climate commitments.
The rising tide of greenwashing: Navigating ‘greenwashing’ risks in climate change targets and sustainability credentials
The report highlights the risks and challenges associated with businesses misrepresenting their sustainability credentials or strategies. The document elaborates on the subject with the help of multiple examples and practical guidelines to reduce legal and reputational exposure to businesses and corporations.
RIAA's from values to riches series
This research series gauges Australians' and New Zealanders' awareness, attitudes, and practices around responsible and ethical investing. It provides insights into consumer sentiment and expectations regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions.
Sustainability at a turning point: Consumers are pushing companies to pivot
This research of 14,000 people from 9 countries discovered that 93% say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their perception of environmental sustainability. Individuals are, as a result, looking to invest in companies that prioritise environmental responsibility and expect them to communicate sustainability benchmarks and future plans clearly. In addition, more than half of consumers would work for a company that values sustainability, which is increasingly becoming a top hiring consideration.
Greenwashing and how to avoid it: An introductory guide for Asia's finance industry
This report offers Asia's finance industry a comprehensive guide on greenwashing, including its definition and the risks it poses. The report also covers regulatory developments and guidance to tackle greenwashing, and provides practical steps to guard against greenwashing risks in the industry.
An integrated framework to assess greenwashing
Companies, nonprofits, and governments are increasingly engaging in greenwashing despite regulations for misleading advertisements. This report provides a framework for detecting greenwashing in such claims for all actors, whether non-commercial or non-advertisements.
Market review of environmental impact claims of retail investment funds in Europe
This report explores the environmental impact claims made by European retail investment funds and assesses their accuracy and possible ramifications. Findings reveal a high prevalence of misleading claims and a need for better guidance and regulation to address the issue. Short and long-term recommendations are proposed.
Seeing through the green: A guide to greenwashing risks for asset managers
This report is an in-depth analysis of the risks and pitfalls of greenwashing in sustainable investments. It provides an overview of the current regulatory landscape, common greenwashing practices, and best practices for addressing them.
Investing for outcomes: Why impact is relevant beyond impact investing
This report explores the importance of measuring the impact of investing activities, particularly in the increasingly popular field of impact investing. It discusses the use of data to assess a company's social and environmental footprint, the role of taxonomies in impact investing, and the rise of impact awareness.
Greenwashing: A governance perspective
This report provides an overview of greenwashing practices and their impact. The report expounds on the various forms of greenwashing and highlights the need for governance professionals to ensure accurate claims by companies. It also touches on Australia's legal and regulatory environment as regards greenwashing and contains helpful advice on how to manage it.
Circular to management companies of SFC-authorised unit trusts and mutual funds ESG funds
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) released a new circular prescribing disclosure requirements and periodic assessments for SFC-authorised unit trusts and mutual funds that focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Fund managers must include comprehensive disclosures in annual reports and take regular steps to ensure ESG investments align with a fund's intention.
Integrity matters: Net zero commitments by businesses, financial institutions, cities and regions
As the global community faces a climate crisis, the report recommends setting standards and criteria for achieving net zero emissions, addressing concerns about greenwashing, and calling for a just transition for developing countries. The report advocates for a collaborative 'ambition loop' to accelerate global efforts toward a sustainable future.
Aggregate confusion: the divergence of ESG ratings
The research investigates the disagreement in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings between rating providers. Three factors are identified: measurement divergence, scope divergence and weight divergence. The paper argues for a standardisation of ESG indicators and measurement procedures to reduce the discrepancy in ESG ratings.
